Why choose DWTC Free Zone?

DWTC Free Zone, run by the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, offers a Sheikh Zayed Road address next to one of the world's largest exhibition venues. It hosts more than 1,800 businesses and 1,200+ licensed activities, and is a recognised base for virtual asset firms licensed alongside VARA.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership through an FZE or FZCO.
  • Central Dubai address at the Trade Centre.
  • Virtual asset licence packages for firms that also hold a VARA licence.
  • Eligible companies can apply for Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit (AED 5,000 for six months).
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

DWTC Free Zone costs in 2026

  • Pricing: DWTC does not publish package prices on its website; consultants quote licences from around AED 12,000 a year (AED 24,000 for general trading).
  • Packages: include licence, registration, Memorandum and Articles of Association and establishment card, with 1 to 6 visas by tier.
  • Visas: AED 2,000 per visa applying from outside the UAE or AED 3,200 from inside, before medical and Emirates ID.
  • Partner visas: require at least AED 50,000 share capital per shareholder.

Because DWTC quotes through its portal, we price your setup against current DWTC rates. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in DWTC Free Zone

  1. Choose your entity: FZE (one shareholder) or FZCO (several).
  2. Choose your licence: professional, commercial, e-commerce, event management, general trading or virtual assets.
  3. Apply online: DWTC runs setup through its online portal.
  4. Receive your licence: typically one to two weeks once documents are complete.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is DWTC Free Zone best for?

Events and exhibition companies, professional services, trading businesses and virtual asset firms that want a central Sheikh Zayed Road address.

DWTC Free Zone FAQs

Can I set up a crypto business in DWTC?

Yes, but you need both the DWTC licence and a separate licence from VARA, Dubai's virtual assets regulator.

Can a DWTC company trade on the Dubai mainland?

Eligible companies can apply for Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, AED 5,000 for six months. Mainland income is generally taxed at 9%.

What does a DWTC visa cost?

AED 2,000 from outside the UAE or AED 3,200 from inside, before medical and Emirates ID.

How much does DWTC cost?

DWTC does not publish prices online. Licences are commonly quoted from around AED 12,000 a year; we confirm current rates.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; where an authority does not publish prices we say so. We confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.